Kailh Box White V2 vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx stand out as unique contenders, catering to different typing experiences. The Kailh Box White V2 is celebrated for its pronounced clicky feedback, providing typists with a crisp tactile response accompanied by an audible click that many enthusiasts find energizing and satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more traditional, lively typing experience, especially in a gaming or fast-paced setting. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a harmonious blend of tactile feedback and acoustic refinement, creating a deep "thock" sound on bottoming out while maintaining a whisper-quiet ascent. Their design brings together the richness of sound and the pleasure of subtle tactile feedback, appealing to users who favor a more sophisticated and muted auditory experience. Both switches have their merits—one for its vibrant clicks and the other for its smooth acoustic performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials that influence their respective sound profiles and user experiences. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its relatively stiffer composition. This stiffness contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when keys are pressed, enhancing the clarity and resonance of tactile feedback. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, commonly referred to as "boba plastic," which is specifically designed to deliver a softer, richer sound profile. This material choice results in a deeper auditory experience compared to the Box White V2, showcasing how the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softness of boba plastic can lead to different acoustic results even in the same typing scenario.
Regarding the bottom housings, both switches represent a keen similarity in their use of softer materials to promote a fuller sound profile. The Kailh Box White V2 employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice in switch design that helps absorb sound and offers a rounder bottom-out experience. Meanwhile, the U4Tx features the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its bottom housing, which also prioritizes a soft texture to enhance the depth of sound. This common emphasis on softer materials in the bottom housings demonstrates that, though the top housings differ significantly, the underlying properties of these switches can harmonize to achieve a varied yet appealing auditory experience.
Ultimately, both the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx possess unique characteristics that can lead to similar typing results when considering sound and feel. While the Box White V2 offers a crisper sound profile owing to its polycarbonate top housing, and the U4Tx provides a deeper resonance with its boba plastic top, the nylon and Gazzew blend bottom housings serve to enrich the overall experience. Each switch's design reflects a careful balance between the materials used in their top and bottom housings, ensuring that users can find satisfaction in sound quality and tactile feedback—albeit through different auditory qualities stemming from their individual material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch with the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that influence the overall typing experience. The Box White V2 features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use in work or gaming. Conversely, while the actuation force for the U4Tx is not specified, it has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, suggesting a firmer typing experience that some users might prefer for the additional feedback it provides when pressing a key fully down. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a lighter feel compared to the Gazzew U4Tx, making it more suited for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx might appeal to those looking for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience the same amount of key travel, resulting in a similar tactile and acoustic feedback for users. Since they both feature the same travel distance, keyboard enthusiasts can expect a comparable feel and performance when using these switches in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the Kailh Box White V2 is characterized by its distinct click, delivering a crisp and audible feedback with each key press. This prominent auditory cue is ideal for typists who appreciate the classic mechanical keyboard experience, where each stroke is punctuated by a satisfying click. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a more refined sound experience. Its design results in a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, paired with a whisper-quiet ascent. This combination creates an acoustically pleasing typing experience that leans more towards a bassy and muted character. While both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, the U4Tx prioritizes a softer yet rich sound, making it suitable for environments where noise reduction is desired.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a tactile feedback that is both noticeable and gentle, providing solid confirmation of each key press. However, the Gazzew U4Tx takes tactile feedback to the next level with its sharp and intense bump. The clarity and strength of the tactile response in the U4Tx give it a luxurious typing experience, allowing users to feel each keystroke distinctly. While both switches boast tactile characteristics, the U4Tx's more pronounced bump enhances the overall feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience.
In summation, the Kailh Box White V2 and Gazzew U4Tx switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. With the Box White V2’s crisp click offering a classic, loud auditory feedback, it suits typists who revel in audible cues. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx merges a deep, muted sound profile with a sharp tactile response, making it ideal for those seeking a more refined and luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, both switches serve their purpose well, and your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a pronounced auditory experience or a more sophisticated tactile engagement.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, your specific needs and preferences will guide your choice. If you enjoy a light and responsive typing experience with an audible click, the Box White V2 stands out as an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for rapid typing and gaming sessions, while the pronounced click adds a delightful auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined sound profile combined with tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4Tx switches would likely suit you better. With a heavier 62.5-gram actuation force, the U4Tx offers a more substantial feel while delivering a smooth "thock" sound on bottoming out, alongside a quieter experience when topping out. This combination caters well to those who enjoy a satisfying yet stealthy typing experience, especially in shared environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize the pronounced feedback and lightness of the Box White V2 or the richness and sophistication of the U4Tx.
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